Wearing A Face Mask Is NOT A Personal Choice In A Pandemic

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of “heroes” who keep on bringing “God”, “personal freedom”, “the Constitution” and the like as arguments against wearing facial coverings and social distancing.

Nobody likes face masks. They encroach on our exchanges. They rob us of smiles and casual conversations. Social distancing deprives us of social gatherings, interactions and hugs. We all feel isolated and – more or less – lonely.

With that out of the way, let’s get real. We’re dealing with a contagious and life-threatening virus that already claimed nearly 140,000 American lives. Preventing ANYTHING is uncomfortable, involves some degree of sacrifice and discomfort. Yet, we do it – at one time or another – to stay safe or achieve our goals!

A virus doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t see differences between us, other than the economic ones. Your gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliations, etc. won’t protect you from contracting Covid-19.

When it comes to a highly contagious and life-threatening disease, none of us is immune; none of us has any right that’s supersedes public safety.

Worldwide pandemic is a life and death emergency. In a life and death emergency, everyone’s right to live takes precedence over individual rights, likes and dislikes. Life takes precedence over anyone’s beliefs, “personal freedom” or love of Constitution.

I’m still seething over an elderly man announcing at a public meeting that he loves his country, is willing to die for our flag, but refuses to wear a face mask. No one’s misguided concept of “patriotism” or right to personal freedom outweighs our collective right to live.

We’re failing in the battle with Covid-19. South Korea, New Zealand and Singapore have already succeeded. Why? 100% of their people comply with the mandatory face mask law and other government regulations meant to control and stop the spread of Coronavirus.

In America, not so. No federal disease control laws are in effect. Our President refuses to wear a face mask and downplays the seriousness of the killer-disease. With the second wave of infections upon us, he’s still insisting that wearing a face mask is optional. Worse, he seems to imply that “real Americans” don’t need masks, that wearing a face mask makes you a “sissy” somehow.

Real patriots and real heroes don’t hesitate to sacrifice their lives to save others. Sacrificing others for your own convenience is an act of betrayal. Share on X

So is following the example of a person known to be ignorant, arrogant and cruel. Neither is a claim to fame.

Walking around without a face mask isn’t a display of valor. It doesn’t make you look brave, religious or patriotic.

• Want to be seen as brave? Volunteer to deliver food to seniors!
• Want to demonstrate your faith? Be compassionate!
• Want to show off your patriotism? Think of the words “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. Show your solidarity with – and concern for – your fellow countrymen.

Heroes save lives. They don’t endanger others for their own image or comfort. Don’t be a traitor, be a hero!

Marian Wright Edelman said: “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” So is loyalty to family and community.

 

Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash